Rephotograph Artist Critique: James Casebere

 James Casebere, Red Room #1, 2003

          I don’t usually enjoy looking at architectural photographs, and prefer photographs of nature (ocean waves, flowers, clouds, etc.).  However, this photograph really enchanted me.  I enjoy the rhythm of the repeated vertical lines (both wide and thin) in the windows and on the walls.  The use of line is mesmerizing. The photograph draws the viewer’s eye in a circle (from the curved lines on the ground, up the vertical stripes on the wall, onto the shadowed ceiling, and down the vertical stripes toward the floor).  The horizontal lines create a serene image, especially since this image also uses one-point linear perspective, which I really enjoy. J The use of color is striking; the silver and white complement the red and black striped walls.  The variety of textures (the silvery almost liquid floor, grainy ceiling, and the paper-covered walls) is refreshing.  

Response to latest reading. :)

I really liked this website, because the rock formations in the old and new photographs are very beautiful.  I especially love the Grand Canyon Panorama from Point Sublime, because it reminds me of a hiking trip my friends and I went on when I was in high school.  The naturally formed rock formations seemed like nature’s cathedrals.  I especially loved taking pictures of the angelic waterfalls and swimming in the river with my friends. J This panorama is a beautiful combination of colored skies and rock formations accented by pencil renderings of the Grand Canyon.  I also really like the Devil’s Anvil panorama (which is the exact opposite of the Panorama from Point Sublime, because black and white images of this rock formation are framed by color photographs of the same location.

Byron Wolf and Mark Klett’s unique renditions of landmarks in both the past and the present are very intriguing.  These artists certainly remind viewers of America’s natural landmarks that need to be preserved. J Their creations remind me of how fun it is to just relax and enjoy the beauty of nature around me. J

 

http://byronwolfe.typepad.com/klettwolfe/grand-canyon/

Diptych Options :)

Andre Kertesz, Chez Mondrian, Paris

Andre Kertesz, Chez Mondrian, Paris

I really like the way the light and dark contrast with each other in this photo.  This photo uses a variation of tenebrism (“a style of painting . . . [where] most of the figures are engulfed in shadow but some are dramatically illuminated by a beam of light usually from an identifiable source”), and draws my eye to the brilliantly illuminated stairs, flower and vase.

The use of an implied horizontal line is very striking. It me feel calm and content to just stare at this photograph for long periods of time. This photo is almost hypnotic. The dark shadow (perpendicular to the railing and the dark lines on the edge of the steps draw my eye toward the vase. There, the vase’s dark shadow draws my gaze to the dark edge of the table, then toward the stairs, and finally to the dark doorway.

The technique in this photo is very professional, because Kertesz capture detail in both the blinding white and shadow areas.  I can tell that a hat is hanging on a hook on a door, the vase is glossy and smooth, the walls are textured, the mat is fuzzy, and the railing is smooth and cold. The petals and leaves of the flower appear smooth and slightly textured.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenebrism

Paper Photo :)

Bill Jay's Article:The Thing Itself The fundamental principle of photography

      This was a very interesting article which I enjoyed reading. Bill Jay has several ideas I've never even thought about, such as the fact that people seldom consider the photographer of a photo. Most people only see the photo and consider its possible interpretations, instead of the photographer's intentions behind it.  I've been guilty of this myself, however in some cases, I don't mind being like this.
      I disagree that the only way a photographer can earn a living is by entering academics. I understand that some people may have to work side jobs and consider art their hobby, but I don't want to do that.  My ideal job would be a designer who combines my imagination, photographs, and other art with my other duties, like logos or website themes.  It's not a crime to make a living off of your own art; I want to have art be my career. :)
      I agree completely with Jay's words ". . . I find this interesting, significant, beautiful or of value.  . . . The photographer produces pictures in order that his or her interest in a subject can be communicated to others. . ."  I've discovered photography is both fun, soothing, but also makes me feel vulnerable. For example, I'm always embarrassed about placing my inner thoughts and ideas in the viewers' hands and being critiqued.  I hate being the center of attention and criticism/critique.Even if I need to defend my own work, I prefer to just keep my thoughts to myself and wait until I can fade back into the woodwork.